CXC Nordic Super Fit Program this weekend!

CXC NORDIC SUPERFIT PROGRAM 

featuring Salomon and Fischer

November 1 - 3, 2013

"Super Fit" is a weekend sale program filled with seminars, presentations & store specials. Get your equipment fit by CXC Elite Team professional athletes & coaches using a state of the art 3D ski pressure mat. Bring your old skis to test if they have a good fit for you & get an independent opinion. It’s a great chance to mingle with others that love Nordic skiing!


Friday, Nov. 1st:
10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing

10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on "SKI ERG"
(simple double pole test will give you an idea where you will finish at the 2013 Birkie)


Saturday, Nov. 2nd:
*All clinics meet at Fontana's west side location*

8 am: Free "Taste of Nordic" Dryland & Rollerski Technique Clinic

10 am - 8 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing

10 am - 8 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on "SKI ERG"


Sunday, Nov. 3rd:

11 am - 6 pm: 3D Ski Flex Mat Testing &/or Salomon Flex Table Testing

11 am - 6 pm: Measure yourself against other skiers on "SKI ERG”

Fontana Sports Westside location:

231 Junction Road,

Madison, WI 53717

608.833.9191

Win a Fjallraven Kanken Daypack!

We're celebrating the fact that we are now carrying the Swedish brand, Fjallraven, by giving away some sweet products! Like us on Facebook through October 31st for your chance to win one of 2 Fjallraven Kanken daypacks! Good luck!

 

Click Here To Enter

The Muskie Hunters

By Craig Amacker

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will deter the obsessive and determined muskie hunter. Those were the conditions Craig, 4 good friends(Dan, Ron, Nathalie, and Craig T), and 3 seasoned hearty guides(Brett, Cory, and Eric) fished in on Saturday October 19. Even though a cold front settled over the north country, the deserted inky rivers beckoned us to chase toothy predators. As we put the boats in, the rain started coming down harder and we joked that Brett’s cousin owned a tavern ½ mile down river and the day would be spent playing cards, eating cheese burgers, and drinking malt beverages. But we’re a tough lot with muskies on the brain and we thought things would turn on after a slow previous day. An hour and a half into the trip, I cast an 11” fly next to a log jam and a nice muskie (see picture) moved 6 feet, vaulted out of the water, and crushed my fly with a vengeance. After an eye-crossing hook set, and horsing the fish to the boat, the fish was in the net with smiles, high fives, and pictures all around. Here’s the thing with muskie fishing-it takes 1 fish to take you from singing the blues to saying it’s a great day, and this fish made my day awesome. The other folks in the group had some blowups (when the fish strikes and misses), and got some nice pike. The neatest fish of the day was the fish the other Craig caught shortly before the takeout and after the sun came out-nice fat fish that struck hard and fought hard - a great finish to the day. Next year’s dates for the Annual Muskie Trip are October 15-18, 2014 in Hayward, WI if anyone wants to be in these pictures.

Snowshoe Scurry Race Series!

We've got some exciting news! We've partnered with 2013's Ironman Winner, local resident, Jackie Arendt to put together Madison's only Snowshoe race series! Read below for more info and we hope to see you there!

Snowshoe Scurry Race Series

This is the first year for you to snowshoe race in the Madison area! This is a 4 event series with races every Sunday in January each including a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k options. Come for a great workout, wintertime fun, and enjoy some food and drinks after the race with other adventurous runners!

Don't have snowshoes? That's OK!! As our main sponsor, Fontana Sports is offering a discount on the purchase of running snowshoes with race entry as well as offering some for rent! Get the whole family involved in a fun winter activity.

January 5th and 19th:
Token Creek Park,
DeForest, WI

January 12th and 26th:
Donald Park,
Mount Horeb, WI

Packet Pick-Up 

• The Saturday beforehand, from 12pm - 8pm at Fontana Sports Westside location 
• Sunday/Race Day from 7:30am - 8:30am at the Race Start 

Pricing 

• 5K & 10K early (before 3PM on December 17): $30 single race, $100 for the series (that's pretty much one race for free!!) 
• 5K & 10K Race Day Registration: $35 single race, $115 for the series (still a good deal!) 
• 1 mile fun run/walk: $10 - great for the whole family!! 
• Snow Shoe Rental: $15 (We have a limited # of snowshoes so make sure you sign up early if you need to rent snowshoes!!)

Perks

• Get a discount on your Snowshoe purchase at Fontana Sports with race registration! 
• A freebie (probably gloves) for all pre-registered 5k/10k athletes and if in stock for race day registrants. 
• Pre-race coffee and hot chocolate. 
• Post race treats, warm drinks and beer! 
• Professional timing and well marked course

Awards

• Overall awards and prizes presented to male & female winners of the 5k and 10k distance. 
• Overall winner is first across the line. 
• Age group awards to overall male and female winners in 10 year age groups (19 and under, 20-29yrs, 30-39yrs, 40-49yrs, etc.) 

For more info please visit - http://snowshoewi.com/

Jimmy Chin = Awesome!

Boy, did we have fun with Jimmy Chin last night! The North Face Speaker Series we had was a great success! We sold 17 tickets to the VIP Event, which means that we'll be donating $340.00 to the Ice Age Trail Alliance! And the event sold out with 272 tickets sold. Wahoo! The picture below really does a good job showing how much fun was had and how excited we were to host Jimmy this year.

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more pics, videos and fun had with Jimmy! We hope you were able to join us and can't wait to hear what North Face Athlete we'll be hosting next year.

Here's a taste of how great Jimmy Chin's Speaker Series talk is:

Socktober means FREE Smartwool Socks!

Don't miss the opportunity for FREE Smartwool socks this Friday! Donate a gently used pair (doesn't have to be a Smartwool pair) and you get a pair FREE! Wahoo! All turned in socks will be donated to Porchlight to help the homeless. We hope to see you! Tell your friends! :)

 

That time of year - SKI SEASON!

Yesterday we welcomed many of our Downhill Ski Reps into our Westside location to hold clinics to teach our wonderful employees all the info they could absorb about the many different ski brands we carry. They were in clinics for 6 hours! Don't worry they got a great pizza lunch provided by Fontana Sports to keep the learning going all day!

Then last night we had our Ski Pro and Race Night also held at our Westside location. It was great having so many people in this early in the season who can't wait for the snow! There was plenty of food and beer and smiles all around. The reps stayed after clinicing and worked with customers as well as got to catch up with long time friends also in the industry. Thanks to all who attended! We can't wait for some SNOW!!

Events & Clinics - October 2013

FALL HIKING BASICS
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 at 6:30pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Cooler temperatures and fall colors make the fall season great for hiking. Join us to learn about the basics of fall hiking. Our experts will share local day hike locations not to be missed this time of year and tips about trip planning, safety precautions and essential gear. This is event is free to attend.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 at 9:00am
Schumacher Farm Park, 5682 Hwy 19, Waunakee, WI 53597 (Park and meet by the barn)
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk at whichever time works best for you! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Schumacher Farm Park, 5682 Hwy 19, Waunakee, WI 53597 (Park and meet by the barn)
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk at whichever time works best for you! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

THE NORTH FACE NEVER STOP EXPLORING SPEAKER SERIES
"Both Sides Of The Lens" presented by Climber/Skier/Photographer Jimmy Chin

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013
Promenade Hall in the Overture Center – 201 State Street, Madison WI, 53703

• 5:30pm – 6:30pm: VIP reception with Athlete at Fontana Sports Downtown location – 216 N. Henry Street. Includes appetizers and drinks, and the opportunity to meet Jimmy.
• 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Athlete Presentation, followed by Q&A
• 8:00pm – 9:00pm: Book/Poster signing by Athlete

Jimmy has been a sponsored climber and skier for the North Face Athlete Team for over ten years. He is one of the few people to climb and ski Mount Everest from the summit and has been profiled in National Geographic Magazine, Outside Magazine, People Magazine, Men's Journal and more. Jimmy is also one of the most sought after and recognized adventure sports photographers and filmmakers working today. In the past decade, Jimmy has collaborated with some of the most progressive athletes and explorers in the world, participating in and documenting break through expeditions around the planet, from climbing notable first ascents in the Karakoram, to skiing first descents in the Himalayas. He is a National Geographic photographer and has received numerous awards for his work from PDN, Communication Arts, American Society of Magazine Editors and the Lowell Thomas Journalism Awards. Most recently, he co-founded Camp 4 Collective, a production company focused on adventure sports and lifestyle. Jimmy resides outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

• 7 PM - Free seat (limited availability): FREE
• 5:30 PM - VIP reception & preferred seat: $20.00 (Proceeds from VIP Reception tickets will benefit the Ice Age Trail Foundation)

Visit http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/get-outdoors/speaker_series/13-jimmy-chin/ to order tickets - Available Now!

COLD WEATHER CAMPING
Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Brisk temperatures can make camping quite the adventure. Learn from an expert how to make that experience safe and enjoyable. They’ll share favorite local cold weather camping locations and tips about trip planning, essential gear and safety precautions. This event is free to attend.

NORDIC WALKING INTRO CLASS
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 at 9:30am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKING INTRO CLASS
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

DOWNTOWN MADISON FAMILY HALLOWEEN
Friday, October 25th, 2013
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Enjoy trick-or-treating with your little ones on State Street. Be sure to stop by Fontana for some family fun too! For more info click here: http://www.VisitDowntownMadison.com/events/

HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO
Sunday, October 27th, 2013 at 9:30am - 5:00pm
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison WI
We are partnering with the Henry Vilas Zoo for their Halloween event by buying and doing the face painting. Should be a fun day! If you’d like to volunteer with us, send us an email. The more, the merrier! We hope to see you at the event either way! http://www.vilaszoo.org/events/index.php?category_id=1994

NORDIC WAX BASE PREPARATION
Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Learn how to get the most out of your skis with early season base preparation. We’ll discuss the hot box, personalizing your skis, conditions in our region and give lots of great tips for making your skis happy and fast! Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This event is free to attend.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Make A Wish

Judith represented Fontana Sports two weekends ago at the Make A Wish Walk in Madison. She said the event was very inspiring and fun was had by all. Looks like there was great weather too! Keep up the good work, Judith and everyone else out there making a difference, whether it's with walking, volunteering, teaching or giving a smile to someone who needs it!

Indian Lake Trail Run on October 5th!

The Indian Lake Trail Run is coming up on Saturday, October 5, 2013. We hope you will be able to come out and join the fun! The race funds important projects at the park, like prairie and lake restoration and trail maintenance. There are over 300 runners registered for the race already and it's fully expected to hit the race cap of 400 within the next 10 days. The 6k and 12k races begin at 9am, and the kids' fun run is at 8:30. You can find more race details at www.friendsofindianlake.org.

Maybe you're not a runner, but you'd like to support the event?? The Friends of Indian Lake are looking for volunteers to help at the race. This is your chance to make hundreds of trail runners and park goers very happy while supporting this amazing place! Volunteers are needed to work at registration, aid stations, trail intersections, the finish line, the kids' fun run, parking, refreshment tables, or some combination of these. Did I mention they're giving away wool trail socks and Indian Lake Trail run coffee mugs this year? As a volunteer, you can expect to enjoy both of these goodies along with all the fun of race day -- Hubbard treats, live music, hot coffee, and more.

If you need any gear for the event, such as trail running shoes, apparel, a hydration pack, some new socks or what-not, Fontana Sports is here for you! We'd love to help you get ready for the event and you know we've got the gear :) Visit FontanaSports.com/Trail-Running-Gear. Thanks for supporting your parks and the other beautiful outdoor places that make our State so special!

A Chance to win!

You can sign up at either location or online at www.FontanaSports.com. Don't miss your chance to win! Good luck!

FREE FITS Socks next week!

View Fontana Sports selection of FITS socks: http://www.fontanasports.com/FitsSocks

Support the River Alliance of Wisconsin!

Patagonia Advocate Weeks are here - Help Support Local Conservation Efforts!

September 16-29 Patagonia will donate $10 to River Alliance of Wisconsin for every pair of Patagonia shoes you buy at Fontana Sports stores or FontanaSports.com 

Pre-Historic Fly Fishing

By Craig Amacker

I was on my “Annual September  Wisconsin River Float” with good friends Kim and Tony Ferrie  yesterday when I caught this pre-historic beast of a fish known as the Bowfin.  We started our float with the standard rules-fish until you catch one, then it’s your turn to row the boat.  For the first hour or so nothing was happening, then a big fish crushed the Fishstress(my go-to white streamer for Smallmouth bass).   It was a jolting strike that bent my 7 weight SAGE ONE double, and put up an impressive fight with a couple of jumps, runs and bulldog like pulls.    I thought the fish was a huge Smallmouth bass at first, but when it didn't show itself we all thought it was a catfish or anybody’s guess.  When I got the fish to the surface I knew right away it was a Bowfin-a fish filed in my memory bank from long ago while growing up on the Madison Lakes and catching them on rare occasions conventional fishing for bass and walleye.  Once the fish was landed and photos were taken, it was time to remove my fly from the fish's mouth.  The problem here was this fish had jaws like a steel trap and some nasty teeth.   I couldn't pry its jaws apart with my pliers and I didn't have a jaw spreader though I don’t think that would've helped.  So the leader was cut, and the fish was released giving me a big face splash.   The take-a-away here is don’t berate strange fish even though they’re not the respected trout or coveted Smallmouth bass, they’re still a blast to catch.  I had so much fun with this Bowfin that I want to learn more about their habits and habitat so I can go catch more.

***
Craig offers guided fly fishing trips and classes, to view the schedule and for more information visit: http://www.fontanasports.com/fly-fishing

Schumacher Farm Park Heritage Fest this weekend!

Hi All!

We are headed to see my son and Daughter-in-law in Minneapolis this weekend, so I cannot be at the Schumacher Farm Park Heritage Fest this Sunday afternoon, Sept 15^th from 1-4 PM. That being said, I encourage all of you Nordic Walkers, walkers and hikers to go. Alone, with friends, or family, it is delightful. There will be all kinds of interesting projects going on - blacksmiths, cooking, gardening, etc.

Click on this link for more event info - http://schumacherfarmpark.org/

This early morning my husband John and I Nordic walked the trails and they were beautiful! Prairie flowers and grasses as high as your head, and wild plum trees with hundreds of small juicy plums, falling-off-ripe by the trail heading North from the barn. The trails are well marked, open and breezy, so few to no bugs, and any hills are gentle and rolling.

Wanted to encourage you all to go sometime soon and if possible this coming Sunday. Watch for the Monarchs, they gather at the farm before migrating. The farm is on Hwy 19, just east of Waunakee’s Culver’s. I would be there if I were in town and would have met you there. This is the next best thing I can do: invite you to one of my favorite hiking places, especially when they are open and showing you Wisconsin farming and its working history. Hope you can make it. Happy Autumn!

Thanks and have a good hike or two ‘til we meet again,
Judith

Judith J. Hutchinson
VP Fontana Sports Specialties

Fontana Sports Nordic Walkabout

Hi Folks!

Hope you will join me this coming Thursday, Sept 5^th at 9:00 AM at Token Creek County Park. We’ll meet at the first shelter on the right after entering the park from Hwy 51 North. The walk will be about an hour of easy, enjoyable walking. I will have extra Nordic poles, please call to get first rights to them. Leave a message with Elizabeth at 608-662-9706. Dress for bugs, heat and comfort. I’ll bring water. If it rains enough for full on windshield wipers, the walk is cancelled.

To get to Token Creek County Park: Hwy 51 north from Madison’s East Washington (Hwy 151 going East), meets Hwy 51 going North. Take Hwy 51 North (towards De Forest) crossing over I-94, and just after you pass Pinecone gas station and restaurant, turn into Token Creek County Park on your right.The first shelter is just past the bridge. See you there.

Hope you join me. The flowers are gorgeous, the birds are flocking and looks like the weather will be great!
Judith

Judith J. Hutchinson
VP Fontana Sports Specialties

P.S. Check out other Fontana Sports events:
http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Events & Clinics - September 2013

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 at 9:30am
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Thursday, September 5th, 2013 at 9:00am
Token Creek County Park, Deforest, WI - Use 6200 Highway 51 entrance. Meet at the first shelter (on right).
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

BOOT FITTING 101
Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Join us as we teach you how to properly choose and fit your hiking boots. Finding the right pair of hiking boots can make all the difference in enjoying your next adventure. We’ll also give tips on accessories that make your feet more comfortable. Your feet will thank you for attending!

CARBONE'S PASSION FOR FASHION
Thursday, September 12th, 2013 at 6:30pm
Bishops Bay Country Club - 3500 Bishops Dr, Middleton WI
Join us at the elegant Bishops Bay Country Club for an exciting evening of fashion to benefit research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Carbone's Passion for Fashion will feature 15 cancer survivors modeling the latest local fashions, including:
A Stone's Throw
La Lingerie
Bishops Bay
Lu Anders Boutique
Chauette
Lucca Fine Men's Clothing
Catalyst
Neena
Terese Zache
Jazzman
Twigs
Iona
and Fontana Sports Specialties
The evening will be emceed by Mona Melms, owner of Studio Melt. Schedule of Evening:
6:30pm Cocktails, appetizers and an amazing silent auction
8pm Fashion show
Tickets (available at UW Carbone Cancer Center):
$75 VIP Seating
$40 General

T-MAN's ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING DEMO & WHERE TO GO BACKPACKING IN THE UPPER MIDWEST
Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 at 6:30pm
Westside Location - 231 Junction Rd., Madison WI
Backpacker and Eagle Scout, Todd McMahon (aka Tman) discusses the backpacking equipment options that he uses on his weekend and weeklong backpacking trips. The equipment includes backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cooking kits, clothes, first aid kits and more. Tman uses ultra light backpacking techniques. He will also discuss different places in the Upper Midwest to go backpacking. Everything from Devil’s Lake State Park to the Superior Hiking Trail, Ice Age Trail and North Country Trail. Google “I Saw Tman” to learn more.

NORDIC WALKABOUT
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 at 9:00am
Lake Farm Park – Meet at the Lussier Family Heritage Center at 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison (parking lot on the left coming from Beltline)
Now that you’ve taken the Nordic Walking Intro Course, let’s meet for a real Nordic walk! Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, for a total-body workout and enjoy a nice Nordic walk outside. Get any questions you may still have about Nordic Walking answered. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking on gravel. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided if needed. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 at 6:00pm
Downtown Location - 216 N. Henry St., Madison WI
Join Judith Hutchinson, trained Leki Instructor, as she shows you how to turn your walk into a total-body workout. Enjoy a nice walk outside while learning about the physical and mental benefits of Nordic walking. Please bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Leki Nordic Walking poles will be provided. Space is limited. Contact Elizabeth at 608.662.9706 to reserve your space. This is a free event.

Visit Fontana Sports Events page: http://www.fontanasports.com/misc_content/events

Further markdowns!!

It's the last weekend of our Labor Day Ski and Sport Tent Sale at our westside location. We scoured the tent yesterday and did further markdowns on items that weren't moving quick enough. It ended up being MANY markdowns! Get here quickly for the best selection and to get some amazing deals! We're open from 10 - 8 today through Saturday, Sunday 11 - 6 and Monday (Labor Day) from 10 - 6. Don't miss it!

Most of these amazing deals on clothing, footwear, camping gear and snow sports gear are available online as well, so check it out: www.FontanaSports.com

How to Choose Rainwear

By: Crystal Neely

With the multitude of options available in the world of rainwear choosing the right jacket for you can be overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of available options that will help you to make sense of all the choices.


TYPES OF RAINWEAR

Water Resistant: These jackets are designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, they will delay water penetration but will ultimately not prevent it. They are great in very warm temperatures, for highly aerobic activities where a waterproof breathable jacket may not be able to breathe fast enough to handle the output of perspiration, or for those “just in case it rains” times where you want something small to toss into your pack or purse. Softshell jackets, windbreakers, and jackets treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) fall into this category.
Pros: Very breathable, often lighter and more packable than WP/BR shells, usually less expensive than WP/BR jackets.
Cons: May not have hood, most do not have sealed seams, don’t insulate well, fabric will become saturated in heavy rains.

Waterproof/Breathable (WP/BR): This is generally the most popular and versatile category of rainwear. WP/BR fabrics keep water out but allow perspiration vapor to escape. They are great for a variety of activities including: backpacking, mountaineering, trail running, paddling, day hiking, traveling, and much more. Unfortunately not all WP/BR jackets are created equal. There are two ways to make a fabric waterproof and breathable, laminates and coatings. Both are equally waterproof but laminates are more breathable and durable than coatings. Laminates are also more expensive. Examples of laminates are Gore-tex, eVent, and Omni Dry (Columbia.) Many companies in the outdoor industry have their own proprietary waterproofing systems which, depending on the performance of the jacket use either laminates, coatings, or both. Dry Q(Mountain Hardwear,) H2NO (Patagonia,) HyVent (The North Face,) are a few examples. 
Pros: Comfortable for active individuals, one jacket can be used for many activities, long lasting
Cons: Most expensive type of rainwear, many choices/options with no universal standard for performance 

Here are a few additional tips to consider when looking at WP/BR options: (a) Generally the more expensive the jacket, the more long-lasting and breathable it will be; (b) There is no universally accepted standard for breathability so performance is hard to measure. If you know that you tend to perspire a lot make sure your jacket has features like under arm vents and mesh lined pockets you can open for more venting. 

Waterproof/Nonbreathable: These are the traditional PVC or vinyl rain jackets. They are made of fully coated fabrics that keep water out but also keep perspiration in. They are fine for very low level activities (like being a spectator at sporting events) but once you get moving at all they tend to lead to being hot and clammy. If you go this route consider a poncho because the open nature of the garment allows for some venting.
Pros: Inexpensive, ponchos can be tossed on over a pack to keep you and your gear dry
Cons: Often loud, stiff, and/or sticky fabrics, can feel hot and clammy


FIT OF RAINWEAR

You should fit a rain jacket so that you have room for layering underneath and have full range of motion since very few rain jackets have stretch to them. However, it is important that it not be too big because if there is too much space in the jacket perspiration will condense to liquid form before it has a chance to escape leading to wetness from inside.

Click here to check out rainwear available at Fontana Sports

Fontana Sports Labor Day Ski and Sport Tent Sale!

We wanted to share with you that our Labor Day Ski & Tent Sale
is coming up next week already!  August 22nd - September 2nd

Adult and youth snow sports equipment! 

Sooo MANY deals you won't believe it!

Camping end of season clearance!  Save up to 50% off!

Kayak and SUP boards, Vests, Paddles end of season specials up to 20% OFF!

Summer and Winter Clothing – up to 50% OFF!

Footwear, snorkeling, inline skates, socks and accessories ON SALE TOO!

Many other unadvertised specials! Don't miss this event! We look forward to seeing you next week!